PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In what is being described as a long-overdue "full reckoning," Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released a comprehensive report Wednesday detailing decades of sexual abuse within the Catholic Diocese of Providence. The investigation found that at least 75 clergy members molested more than 300 children since 1950—numbers officials believe are likely much higher.
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The report highlights a systemic culture of concealment, where the preservation of the Church’s reputation was repeatedly prioritized over the safety of children.
Key Findings of the Investigation The multiyear probe, which involved a "secret archive" of internal diocesan records, uncovered several disturbing trends in how the Diocese handled allegations of abuse:
The "Secret Archive": Records revealed internal investigations, civil settlements, and treatment costs that were kept hidden from the public and law enforcement for decades.
Treatment over Accountability: Starting in the 1950s, the Diocese sent accused priests to "spiritual retreat-style facilities" and later to "treatment centers" with the intent of returning them to active ministry—a practice the report labeled as "absurdly pollyannaish."
Systemic Failure: Only 26% of the clergy identified in the report ever faced criminal charges. Just 14 were convicted, and only 12 were dismissed from the clerical state.
Grooming and Delay: The report details harrowing accounts of grooming, including a case involving Monsignor John Allard, who was allowed to retire with his priesthood intact despite credible abuse allegations.
A Limited Cooperation While Attorney General Neronha noted that the Church eventually handed over 70 years of records, the cooperation was not absolute. The Diocese reportedly refused requests to interview personnel responsible for overseeing internal investigations and delayed the production of certain files.
The Call for Reform Neronha, a Catholic himself, emphasized that the report is intended to offer transparency and spark legislative change. Unlike other states, Rhode Island law currently prevents grand jury reports from being made public—a barrier Neronha has worked to dismantle.
“Not until now has there been a comprehensive review of this painful chapter in our state’s history,” Neronha wrote. “I hope [this will] lessen the likelihood of future child sexual abuse... in our community as a whole.”
The Attorney General’s office has charged four priests for abuse allegedly committed as recently as 2020 and 2022, signaling that the investigation into more recent conduct remains active.
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know has been affected by clergy abuse, support is available:
SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests): snapnetwork.org
RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline): Call 800-656-HOPE or visit rainn.org
RI Attorney General’s Office: Survivors are encouraged to contact the BCI unit for reporting.